2 Kings 8:2

Authorized King James Version

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And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

Original Language Analysis

וַתָּ֙קָם֙ arose H6965
וַתָּ֙קָם֙ arose
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 1 of 14
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה And the woman H802
הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה And the woman
Strong's: H802
Word #: 2 of 14
a woman
וַתַּ֕עַשׂ and did H6213
וַתַּ֕עַשׂ and did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 3 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
כִּדְבַ֖ר after the saying H1697
כִּדְבַ֖ר after the saying
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 4 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אִ֣ישׁ of the man H376
אִ֣ישׁ of the man
Strong's: H376
Word #: 5 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים of God H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים of God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 14
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ H1980
וַתֵּ֤לֶךְ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 7 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הִיא֙ H1931
הִיא֙
Strong's: H1931
Word #: 8 of 14
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וּבֵיתָ֔הּ with her household H1004
וּבֵיתָ֔הּ with her household
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 9 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וַתָּ֥גָר and sojourned H1481
וַתָּ֥גָר and sojourned
Strong's: H1481
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);
בְּאֶֽרֶץ in the land H776
בְּאֶֽרֶץ in the land
Strong's: H776
Word #: 11 of 14
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים of the Philistines H6430
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים of the Philistines
Strong's: H6430
Word #: 12 of 14
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
שֶׁ֥בַע seven H7651
שֶׁ֥בַע seven
Strong's: H7651
Word #: 13 of 14
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
שָׁנִֽים׃ years H8141
שָׁנִֽים׃ years
Strong's: H8141
Word #: 14 of 14
a year (as a revolution of time)

Analysis & Commentary

And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

Historical Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Questions for Reflection

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